Govt to provide relief for underprivileged, middle class: PM Shebaz

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the government is working to provide more relief to the poor and middle class.

He was chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on the impact of Gulf crisis on petroleum products, the current reserves in Pakistan and public relief measures.

The Prime Minister said economically weaker segments of the society will not be left alone in this time of difficulty.  

He said coordination is being carried out with provincial governments to ensure that the ownership registration of motorcycles and rickshaws is completed as soon as possible so that beneficiaries can take advantage of potential relief.

He said digital system will be used to ensure that public relief measures reach the common man.

The Prime Minister mentioned that they reduced government expenditures, cut the development budget and immediately took sixty percent of government vehicles out of service.

He said proposals to increase oil prices have repeatedly been rejected and the funds saved from austerity measures have been utilized for public relief.

Shehbaz Sharif said despite the global crisis, timely decisions have ensured no disruption in the fuel supply.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan is making full diplomatic efforts for peace in the region.

The meeting included a detailed briefing on the implementation of government measures for fuel conservation, proposals for the future action plan and current fuel stock.

An audit report from the Intelligence Bureau on the implementation of the Prime Minister’s fuel-saving measures and austerity campaign was also presented during the meeting.

The meeting was informed that the implementation of the Prime Minister’s austerity campaign is being ensured.

It was informed that adequate fuel reserves exist to meet the country’s needs and arrangements are being made for the future.

The meeting was also informed that sufficient stock of medicines is available to meet national requirements.